The 11 participants in the study were all diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes within the previous four years.

They cut their food intake drastically for two months, eating only liquid diet drinks and non-starchy vegetables.

Seven out of 11 people studied were free of diabetes three months later, say findings published in the journal.

"This diet was only used to test the hypothesis that if people lose substantial weight they will lose their diabetes."

"Such a drastic diet should only be undertaken under medical supervision. Despite being a very small trial, we look forward to future results particularly to see whether the reversal would remain in the long term."

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I wouldn't think twice about doing it... Such a small price to pay to reverse what can be an awful disease later on in life...Blindness, kidney failure , amputations etc... I would probably go for a 2 month holiday , a nice hot climate, beach etc, where calorie intake is reduced anyhow.

It is a drastic diet. But "unhealthy" has to be viewed as overall, and the end results would mean you coming out of the two month period , in a relatively healthier state. It's only calories that are controlled, not vitamins , minerals etc, so no long term side affects.

It is a drastic diet. But "unhealthy" has to be viewed as overall, and the end results would mean you coming out of the two month period , in a relatively healthier state. It's only calories that are controlled, not vitamins , minerals etc, so no long term side affects.

"This diet was only used to test the hypothesis that if people lose substantial weight they will lose their diabetes."

Folk wisdom says this is definitely true; unfortunately I don't know anyone who's ever successfully done it. It's really hard to go on a strict diet and simultaneously change your whole way of eating to better control your blood sugar. Small meals often is where it's at for keeping your blood sugar level, and although "small meals often" certainly sounds like a medically reasonable way to lose weight, what actually happens is that you lose track of how much you're eating and how often. Then you start skipping "snacks" because your last one was too big and next thing you know you haven't lost any weight AND your blood sugar's out of whack again.

We're familiar with the three-meals-a-day pattern, we know about how big those meals should be and how much snacking, dessert, beer, etc. we can get away with. You might not be counting calories as such, but if you've maintained your current weight for any length of time, you have a pretty good sense of whether yesterday's food intake was compatible with that or not.

Now suddenly you try to translate that acquired intuition into eight snacks a day (NONE of which you're allowed to skip, no matter if you've overeaten on the previous snack or not). Doesn't work. You'll eventually get the hang of it, but in the meantime you're guaranteed to lose track, start eating things that are less like snacks and more like full meals, skipping other meals to cover them - and gain weight instead of losing it. Not my personal experience but that of several extended-family members.

I don't mean to be discouraging, and I wish you all the best however you go at it, but seriously, my advice would be to get the managing-your-blood-sugar thing down first and only then worry about losing weight. Bear in mind that this study's definition of "recently diagnosed" is "within the last four years": you've got time.

My understanding is that high fat diets contribute to insulin resistance. It stands to reason that if you change from a high fat diet to a low fat diet this may reduce the insulin resistance. But this is not the only factor (insulin production can also be at fault).

What is less clear to me is actually how one defines 'diabetes' and in what respect it is generally considered 'non-reversible'. Generally the aim with diabetics is to reach a level of control, rather than cure. I would be surprised to find a 3 month study could really reveal if a level of control had been sustainably reached, let alone cure. Consider that the usual measure (that I'm aware of) is the HbA1c test, which is a 3-month back-check analysis of average sugar level. So how in month 3 can we be sure that action in months 1, 2 have 'cured' the condition.

The diet as described looks like a low carb crash diet. Last year a Dutch doctor had some publicity since he was (succesfully) treating people with diabetes 2 by using a high proteine/low or no carb diet combined with an exercise programm.

My understanding is that high fat diets contribute to insulin resistance. It stands to reason that if you change from a high fat diet to a low fat diet this may reduce the insulin resistance. But this is not the only factor (insulin production can also be at fault).

What is less clear to me is actually how one defines 'diabetes' and in what respect it is generally considered 'non-reversible'. Generally the aim with diabetics is to reach a level of control, rather than cure. I would be surprised to find a 3 month study could really reveal if a level of control had been sustainably reached, let alone cure. Consider that the usual measure (that I'm aware of) is the HbA1c test, which is a 3-month back-check analysis of average sugar level. So how in month 3 can we be sure that action in months 1, 2 have 'cured' the condition.

The 11 participants in the study were all diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes within the previous four years.

They cut their food intake drastically for two months, eating only liquid diet drinks and non-starchy vegetables.

Seven out of 11 people studied were free of diabetes three months later, say findings published in the journal.

"This diet was only used to test the hypothesis that if people lose substantial weight they will lose their diabetes."

"Such a drastic diet should only be undertaken under medical supervision. Despite being a very small trial, we look forward to future results particularly to see whether the reversal would remain in the long term."

Tell us something we don't know, type 2 diabetes is dangerous side effect to a life-style choice.

I wouldn't think twice about doing it... Such a small price to pay to reverse what can be an awful disease later on in life...Blindness, kidney failure , amputations etc... I would probably go for a 2 month holiday , a nice hot climate, beach etc, where calorie intake is reduced anyhow.

More to the point, you'll die 10 years younger (on average). If memory serves me right

15 months ago I was type 2 diabetic and I was on medication. I also had high blood pressure and was taking medication for that also. I decided I no longer wanted to take the medications because I felt they were doing more damage than good. I went on a diet and lost 18 kilos. I no longer take any medication and have not felt better in my life.

Before that I had a personal trainer but it did not help as I was still eating bad foods.

I stopped eating all sugar and refined carbs. I do not eat any dairy. I eat fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts, fish and chicken.

I will not go off this diet because either I will have all kinds of unpleasant symptoms and possibly die early; non of which I want.Before my diet I was having toe nails turning black and falling off.

I know that carbs and sugar are addictive. I can make all kinds of excuses, such as no carbs are unheatlhy etc. I needed to face reality, either cut out the carbs or die. Very simple. I still have plenty of fun and excitement in my life.

Oh, I do not drink flavored drinks or alcohol.

Sounds boring? Well, I find ways to make life more interesting. I use hot spices in my foods.

The feeling good far exceeds the pleasures of sugar or alcohol consumption.

If any one wants some support or encouragement you can contact me by private message.

The following 12 users would like to thank Focus for this useful post:

15 months ago I was type 2 diabetic and I was on medication. I also had high blood pressure and was taking medication for that also. I decided I no longer wanted to take the medications because I felt they were doing more damage than good. I went on a diet and lost 18 kilos. I no longer take any medication and have not felt better in my life.

Before that I had a personal trainer but it did not help as I was still eating bad foods.

I stopped eating all sugar and refined carbs. I do not eat any dairy. I eat fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts, fish and chicken.

I will not go off this diet because either I will have all kinds of unpleasant symptoms and possibly die early; non of which I want.Before my diet I was having toe nails turning black and falling off.

I know that carbs and sugar are addictive. I can make all kinds of excuses, such as no carbs are unheatlhy etc. I needed to face reality, either cut out the carbs or die. Very simple. I still have plenty of fun and excitement in my life.

Oh, I do not drink flavored drinks or alcohol.

Sounds boring? Well, I find ways to make life more interesting. I use hot spices in my foods.

The feeling good far exceeds the pleasures of sugar or alcohol consumption.

If any one wants some support or encouragement you can contact me by private message.

Do you think these magical diet choices have helped you? Do you not think it is of more benefit to anybody in a similar situation to advise them to eat a healthy balanced diet and take reasonable amounts of light exercise, as per international medical recommendation?

Do you not think fruits are chocked full of sugar? And that complex carbohydrate actually provides the basis for your body to function during exercise? And maybe red meat has a certain amount of Iron and good proteins that are beneficial in a balanced diet?

Maybe it would be wiser to advise balance and moderation on all food products to create a balanced and healthy diet, not food fascism that completely excises certain foods and/or promotes other foods above and beyond their station.